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Halfway There: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Midlife Mulligan Book 1) by Eve Langlais - Review

2/27/2020

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Amazon $2.99 Special Release Price
Available on KU Until Feb 28th
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Blurb About The Book

The First In A New Paranormal Women's Fiction Series, Suddenly Psychic is part of a huge #PWF Launch featuring 13 Authors!

A Paranormal Women's Fiction novel for anyone who thought adventure and magic stopped at forty. Guess again, it's just the beginning.

I never expected I'd be one of those people who had a midlife crisis. Sure, I'm over forty, and married, but my kids are grown and moved out. Life is steady, if predictably boring.

That all changes when my husband asks for a divorce and my whole world crashes. Everything I thought I knew, everything I am, gone in an instant.
But I am not about to give up. After all, at my age, technically, I'm only halfway there.

I am ready to tackle my do-over; my chance to become the me I've always dreamed of. Starting with moving into my late grandma's cottage and adopting a new kitten.

However, my new life is a little odder than expected. Old books suddenly appearing in my house. Neighbors going missing. A supposed lake monster, and a strange man who likes to skulk around with an axe.

I'm going to need to lean on my friends, new and old, to help me navigate my midlife crisis. Together maybe we will find a way to beat the family curse ruining my second chance at life.
Review

I discovered this book as part of the newly released #PWF Fab 13.  Eve Langlais is a new to me author and sadly I don't think this was the best introduction for me.

It's very difficult to explain what I thought about this book without giving away spoilers, which generally in reviews I am not a fan of, but I will say that this was nothing that I was expecting. 

The pacing of the book didn't work for me, it felt slow and dragged out, and by the time I got to the end I found myself questioning what the point of a lot of it was.  

I think the biggest disappointment for me was how the paranormal side was handled.  To say more would basically give away most of the plot, but although the end left things open for things to start happening in book 2, book 1 didn't go in any direction I could have anticipated, and not in the "oh that is an awesome twist kind of way". 


I don't look at other reviews before reading a book, but I did sneak a peek before writing my review, and for the most part it seems as though I may be out here on my own little ledge with this opinion.  With the exception of a couple of bloggers, readers in general seem to be loving it.   Perhaps they were already fans, or perhaps I am too picky.  Either way it doesn't change my opinion.

A sadly just scraping in at 3 stars from me.
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Exclusive "You Read It" Giveaway - Signed Copy Of Shattered Memories by Susan Harris!

2/26/2020

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How To Enter

We all have those book friends, OR like me, you ARE that book friend, the one that says "Here Read This!" - sometimes with disclaimers about how it will wreck you ..... other times with no disclaimers at all!

During the Live on Sunday February 23rd we were talking about using a reference from Shattered Memories in her upcoming series - and how I think EVERYONE should read it (You can see the clip of when it happened below).

And that led to this - a very special giveaway!   Musers are a very unique fandom (I think) - and Susan and I wanted to try something a little different. 

To enter - leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBISTE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling us who you think should get the book to read and why!  The winner will be the person in the comment we think is most deserving and will selected by Susan, Greg, and Myself .  Winner will be announced during the Live show on March 8th (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 9th).   Full rules listed at the bottom of the post.   Good luck everyone! Can't wait to see who nominate and why!
Rules

  • Only comments posted on THIS original website post will be considered.
  • Posts must nominate another person to win.  Only one nomination per person will be accepted. 
  • This is open internationally - anywhere a book can be mailed to from Ireland.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  
  • The person nominated does not have to be a Muser - but you should be telling everyone about us anyway ...... so get on that lol.
  • Sharing is always appreiated but is not required for entry.  
  • Judges decision is final - decision will be made based on what they consider to be the best response.  It is subjective and others may not agree -  It will not change the outcome.
  • Void where prohibited.  Prize is provided by Susan Harris and will be mailed from Ireland. 
  • Winner will be announced during the live on March 8th and then posted on this post March 9th. Winner will have until Midday on Match 10th 2020 to claim and send in the person that they nominated's address by  messaging Melanie on facebook
    ​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
  • Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page,

Shattered Memories Lyrics Poster  - Just Because I Like It!

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Suddenly Psychic: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Glimmer Lake Book 1) by Elizabeth Hunter - Review

2/21/2020

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Amazon - $2.99 Special Release Price
Available Free For A Limited Time With KU
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Blurb About The Book

The First In A New Paranormal Women's Fiction Series, Suddenly Psychic is part of a huge #PWF Launch featuring 13 Authors!

Every woman goes through changes in their forties.
Just not… these changes.


Robin Brannon was a normal wife, mom, and antique shop owner until a brush with death turned her day-to-day life upside down. Now she and her two best friends are seeing things that belong in a fantasy novel. Ghosts. Visions. Omens of doom. Nothing that belongs in the peaceful mountain town they call home.

Added to that, Robin’s marriage is on the rocks, her grandmother’s health is failing, her mother is driving away the customers at her shop, her teenage daughter refuses to get her drivers’ license, and her left knee aches every darn morning.

Robin doesn’t have the time, energy, or knees to unearth the secrets buried at the bottom of Glimmer Lake, but fate doesn’t seem to care. Some secrets are just dying to be exposed.
Review

I discovered this book as part of the newly released #PWF Fab 13.  Elizabeth Hunter is not a new to me author but it has been a while since I cracked open one of hers. 

I will start by saying that my advice is not to go too much on the blurb.  I read that and thought oh my goodness that is a whole lot of all the problems to be trying to deal with at one time - but the book is different.  Whilst the heroine is technically dealing with all of those things, many of them hover in the background, only mentioned when relevent to the story.

​It is often said that a sudden shock or trauma can open the door to abilities you never know you had, and that is certainly true in this book.  Elizabeth Hunter very cleverly manages to not only provide a believable gateway for her heroine, but for her friends too.  Suddenly developing a new psychic ability is definitely something that is better when shared.  This story highlights wonderfully how women can support each other through some of the hardest times in their lives, but still find a way to carry on, and even have an adventure. This book took me through a whole gambit of emotions from shock to laughter, happiness to tears.  As the pages turn I actually worked out much of what was likely to happen story wise, (I have taken to calling this "The Melanie Clause" as it was pointed out to me that few people carry as many story plots in their head to draw from as I do), but as this happens often, it didn't detract from the story telling.  This book is beautifully written, and as the first in a new series leaves plenty more to be explored, whilst still providing closure for those that hadn't themselves solved the  mystery that started it all.

A solid 4 stars from me. 

**Although this book says Glimmer Lake #1 it definitely works as a stand alone story**
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Cloudy with a Chance of Witchcraft: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Romance Novel (Grimm Cove Book 1) by Mandy M. Roth - Review

2/20/2020

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Amazon - $2.99 Special Release Price
Available Free For A Limited Time With KU
Paperback
Add To Goodreads
Blurb About The Book

The First In A New Paranormal Women's Fiction Series, Cloudy With A Chance Of Witchcraft is part of a huge #PWF Launch featuring 13 Authors!

When it rains, it pours...

On the eve of my fortieth birthday, Fate has given me a second chance at the happiness I once knew in the odd Southern town of Grimm Cove. But only if I can come to terms with some rather eye-opening revelations. Supernaturals are a real thing. I'm a witch. My high school sweetheart, who happens to be the Chief of Police in Grimm Cove, is my fated mate and a wolf-shifter. Ghosts exist and can be very nosey and meddlesome. Someone is murdering witches left and right. And last but not least, my ex-husband's barely legal arm candy is taking fatal attraction to new levels of Hell.

I'm no shrinking violet, and with the help of my best friends, I'm going to live life on my terms--come Hell, high water, or magikal mishaps.
 
Review

I discovered this book as part of the newly released #PWF Fab 13.  I think I might have read one of Mandy's books before, but one thing for certain is that I will definitely be reading more. 

Fans of Kristen Painter's books should know that Mandy had a very similar writing style for me.  She made me laugh, she definitely understands the toils and tribulations of being a woman over 40, oh and she gave me my new favorite term for children - "Crotch Goblins".

This paranormal story introduces a lot of characters that we are obviously going to learn more about as the series goes on.  Fate plays a huge role in happenings and fans will know that I am a huge believer in things happening for a reason. 

The magik (Mandy uses the k spelling throughout the book - which I am personally not a fan of but it was consistent) is expertly researched.  I actually messaged her on Facebook to ask if she was in fact a witch herself (she is not), because there are actual tips and tricks in there that I use.  The story is fun, this trio of girls are hilarious, and the world building and secondary characters are totally solid. 


This gets a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars from me - despite the fact there are shifters - so that in itself should let you know it's a good read.   It really only lost the half point due what I am now calling "The Melanie Clause" - in other words the story was good but I pretty much solved it early on - and as fun as it is to be right, I don't feel that I can give a solid 5 when that happens.   When you read it please be sure to come and let me know if you guessed what was coming, and tell me how much you enjoyed it - because I am sure you will.  
​
The book sets the reader up for Dana's story - Hexing With A Chance Of Tornadoes releasing in March 2020 which is available for pre-order on Amazon now. 
Pre-Order Hexing With A Chance Of Tornadoes (Grimm Cove #2 Here)
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Grave Magic Bounty: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (The Forty Proof Series Book 1) by Shannon Mayer - Review

2/19/2020

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Amazon - Special $2.99 Release Price
Available Free For A Limited Time With KU
Add To Goodreads
Blurb About The Book

The First In A New Paranormal Women's Fiction Series, Grave Bounty Magic is part of a huge #PWF Launch featuring 13 Authors!

One day I’m married, living in Seattle, and magic isn’t real.
The next, I’m divorced and living in the guest room of my ex’s hotter- than-sin cousin’s place in Savannah . . . and talking to an animated skeleton named Robert.

I have to admit, Robert isn’t my worst date.

At forty-one, I didn’t think I’d be starting over. But I’ll be damned if my ex thinks I’m down and out because he pulled a fast one on me.
When a job comes my way that offers me a chance to use my childhood training in the shadow world, I take it—I need the money more than I care about my sanity.

It’s dangerous.
I have to embrace the magic and dark of my past.
And I need Advil to keep me going.

So those who’d hold me back better sit up and take notice, because a new woman is in town, and she’s not about to be counted out by anyone.

Even if she does groan when she rolls out of bed in the morning.
Review

I discovered this book as part of the newly released #PWF Fab 13.  I had seen Shannon Meyer's work floating around but for whatever reason, somehow this is the first of her books I have actually read. 

Whilst the heroine is over 40, and showing the world that life most certainly doesn't end when you hit that point, for me this felt very much like many other Urban Fantasy books I have read.   I think this would appeal very strongly to fans of Kim Harrison's Hollows series (which I myself thoroughly enjoy), but it definitely felt as though the story would have worked and been just as marketable without the PWF involvement. 

That being said, Shannon's writing style is one I can appreciate.  Her characters are layered, and although the premise of underground supernatural societies policing other supernaturals isn't new, this has some interesting elements thrown in.

A soild 4 stars from me and a recommendation for fans that enjoy Urban Fantasy. 

The book sets the reader up for more adventures with Breanna and her new job and the next book is available for pre-order and scheduled to release in May 2020.
Pre-Order Fairy Crossed Bounty (The Forty Proof Series Book 2) Here
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Sucks To Be Me: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (First Fangs Club Book 1) by Kristen Painter - Review

2/18/2020

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Amazon - Special $2.99 Release Price
Paperback
Audiobook
Available For A Limited Time In KU
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Blurb About The Book

The First In A New Paranormal Women's Fiction Series, Sucks To Be Me is part of a huge #PWF Launch featuring 13 Authors!

When 49-year-old Belladonna Barrone’s mobbed up husband does her the favor of dying in a car accident, she thinks she’s finally free of the crime family she unwittingly married into. Then the boss tells her that she has to complete her husband’s last job before that freedom is truly hers.

No big deal, she figures. Until things go south in ways she never imagined. Suddenly she’s thrust into a whole new world that makes the mob look like kindergarten. Vampires and werewolves are real? How is that freaking possible?
Her dreams of a new life disappear faster than wine at book club as more problems arise from her husband’s dark dealings and the unbelievable complications caused by her supernatural entanglements. Only her strength and determination (and some wild new friends) will see her through this next chapter, but the odds are against her.

How much more can her life suck? She’s about to find out…
Review

#PWF - Paranormal Women's Fiction is not actually something I had heard of before this release.  To be honest, anything with the words "Women's Fiction" in the description would normally have me running in the other direction, but this was not what I was expecting at all.

Finally we have some kick-ass heroines out there, dealing with the same things that many of us over 40's deal with..... kids, body changes, the necessary evil of trying to guess how long you are going to have to be standing as that will dictate the option of great versus practical shoes, but then these ladies all get a little unusual extra on their plate.

Followers of my reviews will know that I don't really have an age criteria preference, from YA to Historical, I will pretty much read them all, and still love following along with the adventures of those a good few years younger than me, but this? This was fantastic! Donna Barrone is definitely a woman I could relate to.  Kids have moved out, (I mean the mob hubby was a lot left field of my life), but the food decisions, and as I already mentioned the SHOE choices (can you tell this was a big deal for me?), and then a huge paranormal shift occurring was definitely something I could get behind. 

My reviews are spoiler free so you will have to grab the book to see what that paranormal shift involved, but I will say you won't be disappointed.  This book had me laughing out loud as I connected so easily with Donna's inner monolgue.  I am so glad that #PWF is making a stand for the non 20 year olds out there and cannot wait to devour more. 

An easy, sparkling 5 stars from me (that I will leave on the page and not add to my jeans - when you read the book that will make more sense - leave me a comment when you get it!)

I will mention that although the end isn't a cliffhanger in the worse sense of the world, it definitely finishes with reader being ready for the story to continue.  Luckily Book 2 is already available for Pre-Order with a planned release of April 28th 2020.
Pre-Order "Suck It Up Buttercup" (First Fangs Club Book 2) Here
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Chaos Is What Killed The Dinosaurs Darling!

2/12/2020

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Post Adapted From An Original Blog I Posted In 2012 - And I Feel Still Very Relevent. 
“Chaos is what killed the dinosaurs Darling” -  possibly one of my favorite lines from the cult classic, dark comedy, Heathers which features a young Christian Slater as the bad boy from a severely dysfunctional background who kills off the popular kids in school making it look like a series of suicides. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend checking it out.

via GIPHY

Whilst this in itself amuses the hell out of me, the movie does, in spite of the fact it is 30 years old, address issues that are all so relevent in today’s schools.  Bullying.  Although now it is all about cyber bullying and how “words can hurt”. 

Now I am probably going to upset a lot of people, but really if you ask me this is a situation that schools themselves have created.  All children ARE NOT EQUAL any more than all adults are, and the sooner they learn this and deal with the fact the better adjusted they will be.  Schools create this “everyone is a winner” philosophy with no proper competitions so there are no losers and then wonder why as teenagers these children suddenly feel rejected and unable to cope with the world.


via GIPHY

Well my readers the world in general SUCKS!! Life is NOT fair ….. You are not going to get everything you want and people are going to be MEAN.  At least with this cyber bullying you can just TURN OFF THE COMPUTER and not have to see it.  Instead of pandering to all these crying children we should be teaching them that it is OK to be different.  I went through school revelling in the fact that I was an outcast.  I never cared what people said, I never dressed how they wanted, or listened to what they thought was “IN” and honestly nothing much has changed.  I lived in my vamp obsessed world long before popular culture dragged vampires kicking and screaming, sparkling into the daylight.  I dealt with mean comments by being so different that people were scared of me.  Yes they whispered in corridors and made their little jokes about how weird I was but each one I took as a compliment and they had no idea how to deal with that.

via GIPHY

In many ways I have my late father to thank for this.  He raised me to be me. To understand that I would not be the best at everything and sometimes I would lose but I should always go down fighting and to this day that is the mantra I live by and it is how I raise my children.  To not be afraid if their opinion doesn’t match those around them but to stick with it even if sometimes they are going to be wrong.  At least they HAVE their own opinion and will not be raised as sheep!

via GIPHY

This is why I love my vampires so.  Try as they might to hide who they are (or in their better cases they don’t try at all), their true nature always wins out in the end and it is that nature that I love and I always will.  How Very!! *Mwah*

via GIPHY

Comments and opinions always welcome! Leave me your thoughts below.
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How To Post Book Reviews On Amazon And Not Get Flagged!

2/10/2020

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​New Vlog!  Remember that Comments on the original YouTube Video are appreciated as well as comments here.  As I always say - Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share!
You Can Read The Blog Post Mentioned About Readers Punishing Authors For Cliffhangers Here!
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    Melanie's Muses

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